Gavin Taylor Returns to Lead Academy Program

Director Taylor Gives a Pep Talk

Napa United is announcing the formation of a top-level youth soccer program called Napa United 1839 Academy. Furthermore, it is announcing that Coach Gavin Taylor has decided to move back to Napa to become Director of Coaching for the Napa United 1839 Academy. “I am very excited and honored to be returning to Napa and the soccer community,” said Taylor.

Just over two years ago, Napa United brought on Gavin Taylor, a highly-credentialed and experienced coach from England to develop its club players as its Technical Director. During that time, Napa United has also hired Tom Shutt, another experienced coach from England to run what it calls “Little Kickers” program for the very young players. In March of 2017, Napa United began working with Napa Valley 1839 FC from the National Premier Soccer League. “We believe with this final piece put into place, Napa United will now be capable of providing a complete pathway for a soccer player with the desire and motivation to play in college or professionally,” says Arik Housley, VP of Player and Coach Development and Partner of Napa Valley 1839 FC. “The ability for Director Taylor to take all our teams to a new level through a program to coach the players and coaches, both on and off the field, is very exciting.”

Napa United 1839 Academy will be working alongside Napa Valley 1839 FC’s Coach Jesus Medina, his technical staff, and players ensuring the academy players get exposure to the highest level of soccer training, methodology, and mentorship from the best players in Northern California. Coach Medina holds a USSF A license as well as various international licenses including Mexico and Spain. Coach Taylor holds a UEFA A license, won the English Premier League U-18 championship with Fulham FC, and has won the prestigious Dallas Cup. Taylor sees a lot of promise in the Napa Valley. “The new academy program will be a great place for the special talents that exist in the Napa community and surrounding areas.” He added, “I truly believe the vision and structure that is being set in motion with Napa United and 1839 is perfect for the development of elite soccer players in Napa.” Napa United also noted that it is looking to hire an additional Assistant Director for the Academy Program.

“We look to begin by immediately forming 3 high-level teams, as time goes we will expand to as many as 6 or 7, and we are strongly considering applying for Development Academy status for U12 to U14,” says Housley. “The ages are from U11 to U13 with new level of program. The USDA or United States Development Academy is the highest youth league play and is governed by the United States Soccer Federation. Taylor noted, “As Academy Director I am confident we can establish ourselves quickly on a state and national level playing high-quality soccer.”

According to Napa United’s sources, there will be a tryout procedure for any player wishing to be a part of the Napa United 1839 Academy’s program in May. Internally within Napa United, teams will be moving into this process immediately. Players selected for the program will receive top-level training, uniforms every year, three free tournaments, and scholastic tutoring is available for players in need. There will be financial assistance for any player qualifying for the program whose family struggles with the year-round payment plan. Napa United is also excited to offer all the families continued opportunities to lower fees through support at the Napa Valley 1839 FC games as well as fundraising opportunities.

Housley stated, “Director Taylor is a game-changer. He will help Napa United players and coaches reach new heights. This new program brings so much excitement because we have plans to bring on an additional coach to support the program as well.” Taylor made a note to show his appreciation. “I would like to thank Napa United and Napa Valley 1839 FC for placing their trust in me to launch the new academy.”

Spring Recreation Soccer is Here!
Napa United Soccer Club is once again hosting a spring Player Development Program again with our partners at Challenger Sports. With over 100 players registered last year, 2018 promises to be even bigger and better! Players will receive 1 weekly soccer training session working on different skills each week such as foot skills, fakes & turns, 1v1, 2v2 and beating defenders, passing & movement, shooting technique with power and accuracy, defending position and tackling. Players will also get a 1 hour small sided DEVELOPMENTAL game on Saturday mornings called Dutch Masters. Our Professional coaches will make each session challenging and fun. The focus is to develop the individual skill of each player ready to take on more competitive soccer playing opportunities and get them ready for the fall rec season.

The program lasts for 8 weeks, starting April 2nd and you can select what day and times works for your schedule.

Open to boys & girls aged 4-12 years old

Location is at West Park Elementary school and costs $165 - that's 16 hours of professional coaching for $165 this spring! Click the following link to sign up

With over 100 Adidas and Under Armor items to choose from we can now offer you a huge selection of Napa United swag. Tees, hats, jackets, blankets, and more. 10% of all Napa United apparel sales will be donated back to our organization. Now you can proudly wear your Napa United swag and feel good that you are donating back to our youth! Hats, jackets, backpacks, and pants are all embroidered. Tees and sweatshirts are printed logos.
Click the red link above to be sent to our online apparel store!

Our Sponsors

These fine organizations make what we do possible. Please show your support to these amazing sponsors and thank them for their commitment to our organization. Interested in becoming a sponsor? Contact our Fundraiser Advisor, Mark van Gorder at markvangorder@gmail.com. Click here to learn more about our sponsorship opportunities

PG&E Financial Aid Sponsor

PG&E has donated $10,000 to Napa United's scholarship program so that all kids have a chance to play. Thank you, PG&E for supporting our community!